Concerns for the Church

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

1. While in a personally difficult situation, Paul sends Timothy to encourage and strengthen the Thessalonian church.  What does this tell you about the importance of community?  More specifically, what does this tell you about the importance of leadership within community?
2. In 1 Thess. 3:3, Paul informs believers that they are destined for trials.  Why is this not a popular message in America today?  What should our attitude be towards difficulties, trials and hardship?  Why did Paul inform the Thessalonians that trials were coming (v. 4) and what is the application for us today?
3. Look at verse 5.  What is Paul’s fear?  Why is Paul concerned about Satan and how should that inform our attitude towards him?
4. Take a closer look at verses 6-9.  What can we learn about encouragement from these verses?
5. Pray for your faith that it may grow and be strengthened.  Pray also that Lifeline would be a community that encourages others.
6. What can we learn about prayer from verse 10?  What does it mean to pray “night and day”?  What can you do to strengthen your prayer life?
7. What does Paul mean in verse 10 when he says he wants to supply what is lacking in their faith?  What might be lacking in your faith and what can you do about it?

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• What does purgos mean?

  "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?" (Luke 14:28)
  
  The context surrounding this verse is a strong call to follow Him as a disciple. He places this metaphor in his challenge and I think it speaks vividly of what we all as believers should desire, namely that our lives would be built into a long-lasting, enduring tower that will radiate His glory for all to see. Purgos is the term for “tower” in this text. Read more »

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